Numismatic

1858-O Liberty Seated Half Dollar AU

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Struck in the antebellum South, this 1858 silver half dollar represents a fascinating era of American coinage. Minted at the historic New Orleans facility, the coin bears the distinctive 'O' mint mark, signaling its origin from the busy port city on the Mississippi River. Crafted from 90 percent silver, this piece contains 0.3866 troy ounces of precious metal. The obverse showcases Christian Gobrecht's famous depiction of Lady Liberty. She is shown resting on a rock, holding a staff topped with a liberty cap in one hand, while her other hand supports a shield inscribed with the word 'LIBERTY'. This elegant figure represents the foundational ideals of the nation. On the reverse, a powerful eagle is depicted with a shield across its chest. The bird grips an olive branch and a bundle of three arrows in its talons, symbolizing a desire for peace alongside a readiness for defense. This mid-nineteenth-century treasure remains a captivating artifact for anyone intrigued by early American silver coinage.